Carter Sits Out NZ Training

The All Blacks squad, having arrived in Dublin on Sunday, trained at the Westmanstown Sports Centre on Monday afternoon where star fly-half Dan Carter was a notable absentee.

Dan Carter taking on Wales' Shane Williams last Saturday

The All Blacks squad, having arrived in Dublin on Sunday, trained at the Westmanstown Sports Centre on Monday afternoon where star fly-half Dan Carter was a notable absentee.

The 23-year-old Carter, who scored an immaculate 26 points in last Saturday's 41-3 whalloping of Wales in Cardiff, sat out Monday's session in Clonsilla with a strapped left ankle - said only to be a minor problem.

Otago's Nick Evans, a late replacement for knee injury Luke McAlister in the 35-man New Zealand tour squad, looks set to deputise at number 10 against Ireland on Saturday. Carter's ankle strain will have copper-fastened the decision in coach Graham Henry's mind.

Henry, who is defending the All Blacks' proud record of never having lost to Ireland in 17 Test matches, will name his side for the Lansdowne Road clash today (Tuesday).

A definite starter is world-class openside flanker Richie McCaw, who is set to skipper the All Blacks at the ground where he made his international debut back in 2001.

Another debutant from New Zealand's 40-29 defeat of Ireland back in November 2001, Aaron Mauger, should also come back into the backline equation for Henry with regular captain Tana Umaga set for a rest. Mauger played for Dublin club Suttonians in his early career.

While lock James Ryan sat out Monday's seesion with a knee complaint from the win over Wales, Ali Williams, a towering terror for the British & Irish Lions' lineouts during the summer, is primed for a recall having looked unhampered during training in cold and wet conditions at Westmanstown.

The 6ft 7in Williams, who plays for the Auckland Blues, had been suffering from a minor shoulder injury.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.